Fluency Strategies with Beginning Readers

Fluency Strategieswith

Beginning Readers

Here you will find methods of encouraging fluency, a skill

crucial to comprehension, with beginning readers.

Fluency is usually a concern once

children are already readers.

But, should we wait until then?

Assumptions

Children know sound-symbol relationshipsChildren can blend letters to make words

1. Model fluent reading

2. Provide direct instruction and feedback

3. Provide reader support

4. Use repeated readings of one text

5. Cue phrase boundaries in text (/ //)

6. Provide students with easy reading materials

Ways to Develop Fluency

Flash cardsIndividual Use

- on a ring- in an envelope

Class use- large cards- pocket charts

Filler activity- form phrases- make sentences

Words on Rings

Flip ChartsReading by Analogy

Pocket Chart with PrePrimer Words - Making Sentences

Word Folders

Word Banks

Word Folders

Word Banks

ChartsLarge “Double Time Lists” Charts - frequency- comprehension is vital- pace yourself- aim for speed but be realistic

Individual Student Double Time Word Lists

fluency is the important thing, not speed

Preprimer Double Time List

Devin’s Words

a have my weand I of wentat in on with

can is play youdo it seefor like thego me to

Students should be given opportunities to practice reading fluency with letters, words, and phrases that can be found in the classroom. (Not just the print found in books!)

During reading centers, students are able to walk around independently to “Read the room”.

Pocket charts and hanging posters are located throughout and are kept at eye level. Empty laundry baskets are great places to keep rolled-up poems and songs previously learned.

Read the Room

Photo from ReadingResource.Net

Games/Activities to Encourage FluencyWords in a BoxPhrases in a BoxSentences in a BoxZap Game Choral ReadingReaders’ TheatreMake your own CommercialNews Flash

Words in a Box in a bag in a container in a bin

Phrases in a BoxSentences in a Box

ZAP Game

Zap Game

Encourages reading fluently, accurately, quickly

Uses high frequency words - or any words you like!

Uses simple items (paper bags, index cards)

Easily replicated for use at home

Crazy Eightswith Dolch Words

Or Word Families

Other Games that foster Fluency

Nursery Rhymes

SongsTraditional Songs

Mary had a little lambThis Land is my Land

Phonemic Awareness Songs Down by the BayApples and Bananas

Books/Internet

Choral Reading

Adapt favorite booksThe Doorbell RangThe Little Red Hen

Internethttp://www.teachingheart.net/readerstheater.htm

Bookstore

Readers’ Theatre

Readers’ Theatre Homemade Scripts

Make your own Commercial

News Flash

Of course, this is just the beginning.

Try, Experiment,

Have fun.